The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has formally demanded more information from the police regarding the alleged murder of a female lawyer based in Lagos, Mrs Bolanle Raheem.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a police officer assigned to the Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah, Lagos State, shot and killed Raheem on Christmas Day.
She and her family were allegedly on their way back to their house when the murder took place.
The NBA released a statement in Lagos on Monday, asking for further information from the police about the alleged murder.
The NBA released a statement condemning the alleged murder, signed by Mr Habeeb Lawal, the association’s publicity secretary.
“‘The Nigerian Bar Association deplores the cold-blooded murder of our member, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, by an officer of the Nigerian Police Force attached to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah, Lagos State.
“The NBA President, Mr Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (SAN), upon receiving the sad news, made efforts to get across to the husband of our deceased member, who understandably has been unavailable to answer calls.
“Since this terrible incident, the NBA has taken the initiative to uncover the facts surrounding the murder of our member.
“In this regard, the NBA is able to report that the Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that the suspected murderer of our member is one ASP Drambi Vandi, who has been in the police service for 33 years.
“While the NBA acknowledges the sympathy and regret of the police authorities over this incident, the NBA president has demanded that the police officially disclose and immediately release fuller details of the errant officer and other officers responsible for this heinous act,” it said.
In addition to Raheem’s family, the NBA has decided to file a formal complaint with the police.
Furthermore, it stated that it has formed a team charged with following up and ensuring a prompt but complete examination of the alleged offence.
The team members include the NBA’s national officers, the chairman and vice chairman of the NBA’s Lagos Branch, and the NBA’s Ikeja Branch chairman.
“The NBA is disturbed that the Nigerian police seems to be back to the dark days of police brutality, and admonishes that the lessons from the #EndSARS Protest should not be lost on any individual or authority.
“The NBA president prays for the repose of the soul of Mrs Omobolanle Raheem and urges members and concerned Nigerians to be calm as we ensure the law takes its course,” it said.